Mixed fortunes for BallymoneyYouth teams

BUYA U9’s v Coleraine U 10’s

Lost 4-1 ( Neill )

As Ballymoney had no league match this week they played a friendly against Coleraine U10s. In a very evenly fought first half it was Ballymoney who struck first when Onray Neill turned in a corner from close range.  The lead didn’t last long and Coleraine were soon on level terms when they scored from a corner of their own.  The score remained 1-1 until early in the second half when it was Coleraine who found the net with a superb long range effort but Ballymoney kept working hard and with Oran Donnelly in the Ballymoney goal having another fine game the boys were unlucky not to grab an equaliser before Coleraine fired in two more goals late on.  The younger Ballymoney team deserve a lot of credit for the commitment and effort they showed in this game and should be proud of their performance against the older Coleraine team.

BUYA U10’s v Dungiven

Won 10-1 (McLaughlin 4,Dallas 2,McCollum 2, Stinson, Kelly,

This week the under 10’s Ballymoney United were up against a tough Dungiven Celtic side. The beginning of the first half started in Ballymoneys favour as the good work down the left wing by Dallas permitted Stinson to score a great goal, which earned the ‘toon’ the first of many. Few chances were given to Dungiven Celtic as Maybin and Kirk kept solid at the back with McMullan between the sticks pulling off some spectacular saves. On 14mins the toon was 2 goals up when another accurate pass from Dallas to McLaughlin allowed McLaughlin to slot the ball home. The midfield was dominated by Kelly, McLaughlin and Dallas. On 16 mins, the score line was 3-0 to Ballymoney when Stinson created an opportunity for McLaughlin to earn his 2nd goal of the match. Despite the score Dungiven battled on and showed enthusiasm and determination, but their effort was non rewarding due to the strong defence partnership of Maybin and Kirk. Dungiven were going to find it challenging to break the Ballymoney defence. The beginning of the 2nd half saw a change in the Ballymoney line up with McCollum coming on up front in place of Stinson. Within a few minutes of play, McCollum battled hard and provided the chance for McLaughlin to net a hatrick. However, just as the boys thought Dungiven were retreating, Dungiven grabbed the chance to score after some high-quality play. Kelly then got his opportunity to add his name to the list of goal scorers by a good assist by McCollum. Again excellent work down the left by Dallas afforded McLaughlin to score his 4th of the match, bringing the score to 6-1. Despite the score Dungiven were not giving up, yet again the usual strong defence line of Maybin, Kirk and McMullan were determined not to give Dungiven the chance to break through their barrier. Then followed two splendid goals from Dallas who was assisted by the ever enthusiastic Kelly to make it 8-1. Goal 9 and 10 came from McCollum with assistance from Dallas and Kelly respectively.

The result shows how well the boys work and bond together as a team to achieve results they deserve. Captain: Jonathan Kirk.

BUYA U10’s Athletic v Portrush

Won 4-2 ( Larkin 2, McCaughan, Patton )

Ballymoney went out with a positive attitude. The start whistle blew and they were hungry to take control but Portrush were as eager. Ballymoney where able to keep possession and with a fine through ball from Leon, Pierce was on fine form and finished off with the first goal. But Portrush were not out of the game yet and soon brought one back. It was tough going from both sides but Noah soon found his stride and gave Ballymoney their second. Matthew worked hard down the left hand side and shots going wide from both teams. Ballymoney where awarded a penalty just before the half time whistle where Leon struck it past the keeper.

The second half started with great pace again and Scott pulled off and few fine saves, only when there were able to push past the hard working defence of Harry and Laughlin. With a few changes to the team Alfie and Lucy being brought on to the wings working hard as they normally do. It was Pierce who found the back of the net again. Lucy also denied with a fine shot that just went over. With the last changes made to the team Kyle came on to keep the back safe.